In an era where global gaming has skyrocketed to new heights, the intersection between traditional sports and esports is becoming impossible to ignore. This latest quote from the International Olympic Committee dropped a bombshell on the athletics world:
“Whatever our views are on esports and gaming, the numbers speak for themselves. Globally, there are well over 3 billion people familiar with gaming, a figure that continues to grow by the day. While in 2021, the global gaming live-streaming audience was just around 800 million people, this figure will grow to 1.5 billion spectators next year. These are all young people. We cannot ignore these staggering numbers. They make it crystal clear: if we want to continue to be relevant in the lives of young people, if we want to continue to inspire the next generation with our Olympic values – then we have to go to where the young people are. Therefore, to be ‘future-ready’ also means: we have to go to esports.”
‒IOC Vice President Nicole Hoevertsz talking about how she strongly believes the Olympics needs to add video games.
The source of this amazingly significant and historic statement can be read on the official olympics.com website here.
This sentiment is not only visionary but timely, as the IOC has formalized the Olympic Esports Games, scheduled for 2025 in Saudi Arabia. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This is truly a new era for the IOC. With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution. The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people. The NOC of Saudi Arabia will bring great – if not unique – experience in the field of esports to this project. This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and the Olympic values.”
This bold move is a recognition that competitive gaming is not just a passing trend but a staple of global youth culture. It would not surprise us if we saw an announcement that the 2028 Games in Los Angeles will feature competitive video gaming. As a whole, gaming has overtaken industries like film and traditional sports in terms of revenue, and esports, with its massive audiences, offers a new frontier for international competition.
Why Esports in the Olympics?
The Olympics has long been a platform for celebrating athletic excellence, unity, and competition. However, the average age of viewers for traditional sports like the NBA and NFL is climbing, with many spectators now in their 40s or 50s. In contrast, esports attract millions of young viewers who are passionate about titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite. The Olympic Esports Games offer an opportunity to reach this younger demographic, which the IOC has been targeting in recent years by introducing newer sports like skateboarding and surfing.
Hoevertsz’s remarks underscore the urgency: “If we want to continue to inspire the next generation with our Olympic values – then we have to go to where the young people are.” This doesn’t merely mean adding a few esports titles to the roster; it means fundamentally reshaping the Olympics’ engagement with youth, appealing to their interests and values.
Challenges and Controversies
However, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most prominent issues is the violent nature of many popular esports titles. Games like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty — two of the most watched and played esports — run counter to the Olympic ideals of peaceful competition. In fact, the IOC has explicitly stated that such games will not be part of the Olympic Esports Games.
The location of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia also raises concerns. Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, has sparked protests and boycotts within the esports community. Despite assurances from the IOC that all athletes will compete in a safe and welcoming environment, the decision has been met with skepticism. As Rod Breslau, a prominent esports consultant, notes, “The Olympics needs esports more than esports needs the Olympics,” emphasizing that the industry’s growth and legitimacy don’t necessarily hinge on Olympic involvement.
Saudi Arabia’s massive investments in esports, including owning around 40% of the global esports market, further complicate the picture. Some have accused the country of using esports to “esportswash” its image, similar to “sportswashing” in traditional sports. Critics argue that the IOC’s partnership with Saudi Arabia may undermine its own principles of inclusivity and fairness.
A Step Forward for Esports
Despite these controversies, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics represents a major milestone for competitive gaming. For years, esports leagues have operated independently, with major tournaments like the *League of Legends World Championship* and *Dota International* drawing millions of viewers. The Olympics, with its long history and global reach, could offer esports the kind of validation that traditional sports have enjoyed for decades.
But the question remains: Will esports fans embrace the Olympic version of their sport? Or will they continue to support the independent leagues and tournaments that have built the industry from the ground up?
While it’s too early to tell how the Olympic Esports Games will shape the future of gaming, one thing is certain: esports is here to stay. Whether in a dedicated Olympic event or through ongoing independent competitions, competitive gaming has cemented itself as a legitimate, global phenomenon. The challenge for the IOC will be to navigate the complexities of the gaming world while staying true to its values of peace, inclusivity, and unity.
As Hoevertsz’s statement reflects, the future of the Olympics lies in adapting to the world young people live in — and that world is increasingly virtual.
